In this season of Lent, as we approach Easter, we reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' mission on earth. Easter, along with Good Friday and Christmas, marks the cornerstone of our faith, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. This mission was foretold long before Jesus took human form, as prophesied in Isaiah 61:1-3. Isaiah speaks of bringing good news to the afflicted, binding up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to captives. Jesus fulfills this prophecy, centering His mission on delivering us from spiritual captivity and the bondage of sin.
In Luke 4, Jesus begins His public ministry, declaring that the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in Him. He was anointed by the Holy Spirit, confirmed by God the Father, to preach the gospel to the poor and set the oppressed free. This anointing is not just for Jesus but extends to us as well. Through baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, empowering us to carry out the mission of proclaiming the good news.
We are called to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, set apart for God's work. Our mission is to share the love and grace of Jesus with those who are spiritually poor, captive, and oppressed. This calling requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to preach and proclaim the gospel with boldness and sincerity. We are to do this with love and compassion, extending the same grace and mercy that we have received.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 instructs us to go and make disciples, teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded. This mission is not confined to a specific location or time; it is a lifelong calling to share the hope we have in Christ. We are to run the race set before us with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
As we go about our week, let us remember that being the church requires action. We are anointed and sent to proclaim the good news, to be bold in our proclamation, and to make an impact in the lives of those around us.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' mission was foretold in Isaiah 61, where He is anointed to bring good news to the afflicted and set captives free. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who delivers us from spiritual captivity and the bondage of sin. [34:41]
- 2. Anointed and Sent: Through baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, empowering us to carry out the mission of proclaiming the good news. We are anointed and sent to share the love and grace of Jesus with those who are spiritually poor and oppressed. [42:19]
- 3. The Great Commission: Jesus instructs us to go and make disciples, teaching them to obey all that He commanded. This mission is a lifelong calling to share the hope we have in Christ, extending beyond specific locations or times. [47:57]
- 4. Proclaiming with Boldness and Sincerity: We are called to preach and proclaim the gospel with boldness and sincerity, extending the same grace and mercy that we have received. This requires stepping out of our comfort zones and being obedient to the Holy Spirit. [58:02]
- 5. Running the Race with Endurance: We are to run the race set before us with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This requires intentional focus and patience, knowing that our race is unique and set by the Lord. [54:15]
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Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [33:39] - Introduction to Lent and Easter
- [34:41] - Prophecy in Isaiah 61
- [36:57] - Jesus Begins His Ministry
- [38:53] - Deliverance from Spiritual Captivity
- [40:32] - Anointed by the Holy Spirit
- [42:19] - Our Anointing and Mission
- [43:55] - Grace and Mercy in Action
- [47:57] - The Great Commission
- [49:33] - Who We Are Sent To
- [50:06] - Preaching and Proclaiming
- [51:54] - Always Be Prepared
- [53:38] - How to Proclaim the Gospel
- [56:17] - Authority in Proclamation
- [58:02] - Boldness and Sincerity in Proclamation
- [62:25] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action